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Payroll Specialist Salary in Cleveland, Ohio

Updated 2026-04-05BLS 2024 data — be the first to add a local report

Salary Distribution

BLS 2024
$46,912/ year

Median Payroll Specialist in Cleveland, OH

$29,274
10th
$35,700
25th
$46,912
Median
$59,501
75th
$72,591
90th

Compensation Breakdown

BLS 2024
Base salary (median)
$46,912
Total compensation (est.)
$53,949
Bonus range
$2,100 – $8,400
Mean salary
$49,727

How This Compares

Cleveland, OH median
$46,912
Ohio median
$56,294-16.7%
National median
$55,190-15.0%

Cost of living in Cleveland is 15% below the national average. Salary of $46,912 here is equivalent to $55,191 nationally.

Salary by Experience

0-2 years
$33,777-28.0%
3-5 years
$42,690-9.0%
6-10 years
$52,541+12.0%
10+ years
$64,739+38.0%

Salary by Company Size

Startup (< 100 employees)
$41,283-12.0%
Mid-size (100–5,000)
$46,912
Enterprise (5,000+)
$55,356+18.0%

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Payroll Specialist Salaries in Nearby Cities

Columbus, OH$49,119/yr
Cincinnati, OH$47,463/yr
Toledo, OH$55,190/yr
Akron, OH$55,190/yr
Dayton, OH$55,190/yr

Related Jobs in Cleveland

Financial Analyst$84,159/yr
Accountant$67,898/yr
CPA$67,898/yr
Investment Banker$84,159/yr
Financial Advisor$84,643/yr

Quick Numbers

Hourly (40hr week)$23/hr
Monthly gross$3,909/mo
25th percentile$35,700/yr
75th percentile$59,501/yr

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Market Context

via FRED

Fed Funds Rate

Mar 2026

3.64%

Inflation (CPI)

year-over-year

2.4%+0.04

National Unemployment

Mar 2026

4.3%-0.10

Ohio Unemployment

Dec 2025

4.5%

Avg Hourly Earnings

all private workers

$37.38+$0.09

10yr Treasury

Apr 2026

4.31%

Source: St. Louis Fed (FRED). Updated daily.

Payroll Specialist Salaries by City

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Payroll Specialist salary in Cleveland?

The median Payroll Specialist salary in Cleveland is $46,912 per year, with a range from $35,700 at the 25th percentile to $59,501 at the 75th percentile. Total compensation including bonuses typically runs higher — see the breakdown above for the full picture.

How does Payroll Specialist pay in Cleveland compare to the national average?

Payroll Specialist salaries in Cleveland are 15% below the national median of $55,190. After adjusting for Cleveland's cost of living, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to roughly $55,191 nationally — which is the number that actually matters when comparing offers across cities.

What factors affect Payroll Specialist salaries in Cleveland?

In Cleveland, the biggest drivers are years of experience, company size, and industry vertical. Entry-level Payroll Specialist roles start around $29,274, while senior and staff-level positions at larger employers can reach $72,591 or above. Specialized skills and in-demand tools can also meaningfully shift where you land in the range.

Is Cleveland a good place for Payroll Specialist jobs?

Cleveland offers a Payroll Specialist median of $46,912, which is 15% below the US median of $55,190. Whether that makes it a good market depends on your personal cost-of-living equation — Cleveland is 15% cheaper than the national average, so factor that into your math.

How do I negotiate a higher Payroll Specialist salary?

Start with the data on this page: the 75th percentile for Payroll Specialist in Cleveland is $59,501, which is a defensible anchor for a negotiation. Come in with a specific number backed by real market data — not a range — and reference your experience tier. If you're above the median, ask for the 75th percentile. If you're already at the 75th, push for total comp improvements like equity or bonus instead.